The group walked along the bank of West Lake and headed straight for Louwailou.
Soon, they arrived at Louwailou.
The area had been cleared a long time ago and there were no people around.
Zhu Youxiao led his men in and went straight to the best spot on the second floor.
Looking out from the railing, one can see the scenery in the distance. The sparkling lake water looks very beautiful and makes people feel relaxed. The breeze blows gently, and Zhu Youxiao feels a lot lighter.
The food had been prepared long ago and began to be served one plate after another.
Zhu Youxiao sat beside the table and picked up a piece of West Lake lotus root with his chopsticks. It was soft and sweet with a hint of osmanthus fragrance.
"It tastes good." Zhu Youxiao said to Concubine Yuan and Concubine Tian, "Try it."
The two nodded and started eating together.
The two concubines were in a good mood as they enjoyed the scenery along the way. It was a good time to be with Zhu Youxiao.
But this kind of life won't last long, and it's time to return to the capital. Concubine Yuan is pregnant and can't stay outside for too long. As time goes by, her belly will get bigger and bigger, and staying outside will not be good for the child.
Glancing at Wei Chao standing next to him, Zhu Youxiao asked, "Have you found out any news about Wei Zhongxian?"
"Your Majesty, we've already found out." Wei Chao nodded and said, "The people here are cooperating very well, and there are basically no major problems. The court has conducted an inventory of the land, and there aren't many hidden issues. They are all minor problems."
"Those wealthy families are very cooperative, and Eunuch Wei is also very relaxed. Normally, there are no problems. According to the information from the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Eunuch Wei is doing his best this time."
Zhu Youxiao nodded.
He had guessed these things. Jiangnan was no different from other places, especially Zhejiang. In recent years, with the development of Ming Dynasty trade, Zhejiang's commodity economy has developed very rapidly, and the wealthy families with land are basically big businessmen.
Because of the existence of the Imperial Household Department, it is difficult for some people to refuse to cooperate.
Although these merchants valued land, the imperial court did not seize their land; they simply required them to pay taxes. Compared to the losses incurred by non-cooperation, the small amount of tax was not a big deal for the merchants, and they were willing to spend this small amount to buy peace of mind.
As for future self-employed farmers, there are basically not many left. Most of the land has already been annexed, especially in places like Zhejiang. Some have bought it with money, and some have taken advantage of others' misfortunes. In any case, it's all gone.
These wealthy families needed large amounts of land to make money from weaving cloth, planting mulberry trees, and raising silkworms. Only when they had the land could they have a complete industrial chain.
Ordinary people can only work in their workshops and farm for them, and the only way they can achieve success is through business.
It is basically impossible for ordinary people to become big landlords unless Zhu Youxiao changes the land policy and supports self-cultivating farmers.
But Zhu Youxiao would not do that.
From the perspective of national development, this will instead promote the development of industry and commerce and enhance national strength.
For ordinary people, life will be better. Compared with the current agriculture, they can earn more as workers.
This is the general trend of historical development, and Zhu Youxiao has no way to stop it. He cannot go backwards in history.
All Zhu Youxiao could do was to maintain food supply, expand outward and plunder land.
Lifting the wine glass and taking a sip of the warmed daughter's red wine, Zhu Youxiao nodded with satisfaction and said, "After dinner, you can go back first. I will go see Wei Zhongxian, and then prepare to return to the capital."
"Yes, Your Majesty." Everyone agreed quickly.
Zhu Youxiao enjoyed the meal very much.
After arriving in Zhejiang, he did not find any major problems. When he heard that Wei Zhongxian had arrested those people, Zhu Youxiao did not care too much.
As long as there is nothing wrong, just arrest some people. It’s not a big deal.
After dinner, Concubine Yuan and Concubine Tian were sent back, and Zhu Youxiao took Wei Chao to meet Wei Zhongxian.
When they arrived in Hangzhou to guard the eunuch's yamen, the people here immediately took Wei Chao and others in.
Although other yamen may not know him, the people guarding the eunuch yamen are very familiar with Wei Chao, and many eunuchs here know him.
This Wei Chao was a favorite of the emperor, and like the current Wei Zhongxian, they were both top eunuchs. Naturally, these people did not dare to neglect him.
When Wei Zhongxian heard the news that Wei Chao had arrived, he hurried forward.
Yang Yunhe, who was following him, was stunned. He looked at Wei Zhongxian and asked, "Eunuch, why are you so anxious? Even if Eunuch Wei comes, what's the big deal? You don't have to be too polite to him."
"You know shit!" Wei Zhongxian cursed angrily, "Does Wei Chao just wander around casually?"
"Since he's gone out, the Emperor must have gone out too. He's been by the Emperor's side, how could he just leave? Now that Wei Chao is here, that means the Emperor is here too!"
After saying this, Wei Zhongxian's steps became more urgent.
Although I haven't caused any trouble in Zhejiang recently, and I've done my job very attentively and smoothly, who knows if anyone has spoken ill of me in front of the emperor?
Wei Chao could do such a thing. If the emperor were to get angry, I would be at a loss as to what to do.
Yang Yunhe hurriedly followed, not daring to say anything else.
Since Your Majesty has come, we absolutely cannot neglect him.
The two of them hurried over.
At this time, Zhu Youxiao was sitting on a chair, looking around.
Everyone around stood aside and no one dared to breathe loudly.
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